MIAMI

Discover our favourite hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do in Miami right now.

Updated Summer 2017

This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless Miami Beach restaurants, dined in the best local eateries and visited the latest hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in Miami Beach right now.

HOTELS

| MIAMI |

Whether you're looking for the ultimate beachfront hotel, a cosy boutique hotel, or an ultra-cool design hotel, here is our pick of the best places to stay in Miami.

2. Beachfront Retreat ...

MIAMI BEACH EDITION

A chic beachfront hotel which you'll never want to leave ...

Bringing together all that Miami is renowned for – luxury, laid-back beach vibes, and a buzzing social scene – The Miami Edition is an urban resort in a league of its own. Expanding over 3.5 acres of beachfront paradise, the hotel contains close to 300 spacious guest rooms including lush bungalows for those wanting extra privacy. More than just a place to rest your head, The Miami Edition boasts two outdoor pools, an ice-skating rink and its very own nightclub. You'll also find a range of restaurants such as the Latin-infused Matador Room run by celebrity chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. For a getaway laced with designer accommodation, sunshine and relaxation, this one-stop resort is the answer. $$$

3. Exclusive & Intimate ...

SOHO BEACH HOUSE

An exclusive boutique hotel & private club on Miami’s beachfront ...

Following the success of the Soho House Group’s exclusive private members club ventures in London and New York, the group have exported their winning all-in-one hotel, restaurant and nightlife concept to the shores of Miami Beach. The 50 retro-inspired rooms bring a sense of South American glamour to the hotel's living spaces, where eye-catching vintage furniture and vibrant textiles are used to dramatic effect. The room categories vary from the intimate ‘Size’ rooms, the more generous ‘Bayside’ rooms, to the spacious ‘Beachside’ suites. You’ll also find the Soho House’s signature luxury private screening rooms, two glamorous swimming pools, a private beach club, restaurants and lounge bars, and an indulgent Cowshed Spa for the ultimate pampering. You'll rub shoulders with the understated jet-set crowd at this fashionable Miami retreat. $$$

4. Beachfront Glam ...

1 HOTEL

Ideally positioned on Collins Avenue, midway between the chaotic action of South Beach and the quiet elegance of up-and-coming Mid Beach, the 1 Hotel Miami resort offers proximity to both glitzy nightlife and relaxing sophistication. At the nexus of luxury and ecology, the hotel’s eco-chic design nonetheless features all of the facilities that you can expect from modern luxury accommodation. The façade boasts an impressive 900-metre green wall comprising 11,000 varieties of local plants, the lobby’s ceilings are made from salvaged Alaskan timber, and the furniture is crafted with fallen trees from South American rainforests. Expect modern luxury at its greenest. $$$

5. Sophisticated Haven ...

W SOUTH BEACH

The quintessential Miami South Beach jet-set playground ...

The W South Beach boasts a jaw-dropping oceanfront position with private beach access and beautiful views from its suites. There’s also a multitude of restaurants and bars, including the trendy The Dutch restaurant by celebrated chef Andrew Carmellini and Mr. Chow restaurant; the stylish, flirtatious Living Room Bar; and the verdant Grove alfresco cocktail bar. As for the rooms, they’re ultra-spacious with minimalist white furnishings and some of the deepest soaking tubs in Miami. With a luxurious Bliss spa and a bright, white and sunny feel, this is one of South Beach’s most stylish places to stay. $$$

Average Price of a Double Room: $ = Around $100 or less; $$ = Around $200; $$$ = > $300

RESTAURANTS

| MIAMI |

Whether you're looking for a fabulous alfresco dining spot, a cosy foodie eatery, or a see-and-be-seen restaurant, here is our pick of the best places to eat in Miami right now.

1. Foodie Hotspot...

KYU

Discover one of Miami’s hottest foodie dining spots in Wynwood ...

Following their time working together at Zuma Miami, renowned chef Michael Lewis and General Manager Steven Haigh bring the art of Japanese barbecue to their first solo dining venture at Kyu. Situated in Miami’s hip Wynwood arts district, Kyu’s bustling open kitchen takes pride of place in the designer dining space decorated with polished concrete, metal and wooden furniture. The superb menu features a tantalising medley of snacks and sharing plates, such as roasted cauliflower with goats cheese and shishito-herb vinaigrette; pork and shitaki gyoza with smoked truffle ponzu; or the soul-satisfying Thai fried rice stone pot with luscious chunks of fresh king crab. Make sure to finish with the heavenly Mom's KYU coconut cake with homemade coconut sorbet. $$

4. Romantic Terrace …

MATADOR ROOM

A glam restaurant with a romantic garden terrace and a 1950s supper club vibe ...

As the crown jewel of the jet-set Miami EDITION Hotel, Matador Room restaurant has been turning heads since opening with its glamorous 1950s-inspired supper club vibe and its delicious menu by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Settle in beneath the sparkling chandelier in the sunken oval dining room - or outside on the romantic garden terrace - and enjoy the menu infused with Spanish, Caribbean and Latin American influences. Advance bookings recommended. $$

5. Alfresco Italian Dining...

CECCONI'S

Discover one of Miami South Beach's most romantic alfresco dining experiences ...

With outposts in London and Los Angeles, Miami South Beach's Cecconi’s marks the third international venue of this smash-hit restaurant group. Blending affordable prices with a glamorous location, Cecconi showcases a crowd-pleasing menu from crispy pizzas to charcoal grilled specialities such as spicy whole chicken with panzanella. Make sure to dine in the alfresco garden terrace amidst softly-glowing candles for a touch of Mediterranean romance. $$

6. Alfresco Greek Dining ...

MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO

An institution for Mediterranean fare in Miami, Mandolin Aegean Bistro will transport you to the romantic shores of the Greek islands with its whitewashed walls, ocean-blue window frames and romantic patio wreathed in bougainvillea. Settle into Mandolin’s vibrant outdoor patio and share authentic Greek and Turkish dishes, where platters of homemade tzatziki, grilled prawns, fried calamari, aubergine and stuffed zucchini are joined by flavoursome mains such as whole sea bass with lemon and oregano. $$

7. Foodie Gem…

ALTER

Forward-thinking dining in Miami’s Wynwood neighbourhood ...

The funky red glow of a neon sculpture lights up stripped-back spaces in mottled concrete at Alter, the progressive American restaurant by culinary impresario, chef Bradley Kilgore. From Kilgore’s open kitchen, work-of-art plates emerge as part of a 5- or 7-course tasting menu, where aged beet tartare might be followed by smoked squash bread with chermoula glaze and vegetable leaves. Indulge in the expertly-chosen wine-pairings for the complete Alter experience. $$$

223 NW 23rd Street, Miamialtermiami.com| +1 305 573 5996

8. Bohemian Cool ...

27 RESTAURANT

A much-loved bohemian dining spot in Miami South Beach ...

Nestled within The Freehand hostel, Restaurant 27 is a trendy Miami dining spot known for its communal atmosphere and creative vibe. The restaurant's eclectic menu pays homage to Miami's melting pot of cultures with an assortment of dishes ranging from braised short ribs to kimchi fried rice, gambas al ajillo and double cheeseburgers - it also features fresh produce grown in the restaurant's own garden. Make sure to stop by the hostel's award-winning cocktail bar, The Broken Shaker, home to some of the city's best mixologists. $$

10. Best Local Cafes ...

OTL

A creative hub for coffee, wholesome fare and a local vibe.A stylish ‘community hangout’ in the midst of Miami’s Design District, OTL bears the hallmark of legendary nightlife-mogul David Grutman and the team behind New York hotspot, The Smile. Set across two levels, this stylish cafe boasts 7,000 square feet of airy, luminous space, where the upper floor welcomes a rolling program of activities, including yoga classes, pop-up design stores and live panel discussions. Ultra high-speed wifi and a fantastic menu of dishes such as freshly-baked pastries, smashed avocado toast and comforting grilled cheese sandwiches make this a fantastic hangout spot at any time of the day. $

ZAK THE BAKER

Meet Miami's best, James-Beard nominated artisanal baker.A beloved local figure, Zak The Baker – otherwise known as Zak Stern – is the passionate artisanal baker that has captured the heart of Miami since 2013. After learning ancient baking techniques in Sweden, bread-baking in Tuscany, and goats-cheese making in Galilee, Zak returned to dedicate himself to artisanal baking in his native Miami. The original address - known as the 405 deli - serves wholesome fare such as breakfast sandwiches, smoked fish salads and healthy soups, while further down the street the bakery - known as 295 bakery - turns out the just-baked breads for which Zak the Baker is famous. $

ALL-DAY

It’s all about ‘Coffee & Eggs’ at this all-day dining cafe.All-Day multi-roaster coffee shop is Miami’s champion of all-day breakfast and meticulously-crafted coffees, home to the largest custom-made La Marzocco Strada espresso machine in the world. Boldly setting up shop in an up-and-coming area of Downtown Miami, Camila Ramos (ex-Panther Coffee) and her team of baristas want to craft your ultimate brew – anything from a pour-over coffee or double shot espresso, to more original concoctions such as cold brew with rosemary limeade and Thai iced coffee with xocolatl mole bitters. Feast upon the delicious menu of egg-focused breakfast specials by chef Charles Lutka. $

11. Takeaway Tacos ...

TAQUIZA

12. Best Coffee Shop ...

PANTHER COFFEE

Average Price of a Main Meal: $ = Less than $10; $$ = Around $20; $$$ = More than $30

NIGHTLIFE

| MIAMI |

Whether you're looking for the perfect cocktail, the city's best alfresco bar, or a late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to drink and party in Miami Beach right now.

1. Bohemian Cocktails ...

THE BROKEN SHAKER

Enjoy creative cocktails in a chilled, bohemian setting ...

Nestled in the budget-chic Freehand Miami Hotel, The Broken Shaker cocktail bar boasts a fun and lively setting featuring ping-pong tables, a swimming pool and lush gardens strung with lights. This cosy bar is renowned as one of the city's leading cocktail spots, garnering it a recent James Beard Award. Dine beforehand at the neighbouring 27 Restaurant, one of Miami Beach's best casual, trendy eateries. $$

2. Rooftop Pool Terrace...

WATR AT THE 1 ROOFTOP

Discover one of Miami South Beach's most spectacular rooftop lounge bars ...

Escape to the sophisticated rooftop oasis of the 1 Hotel Miami and you’ll find WATR, one of the city’s coolest alfresco rooftop lounges perched high above Miami Beach on the hotel's 18th floor. Boasting 360 degree ocean views of the ocean and the sparkling lights of Downtown Miami, the bar invites guests to relax, unwind and enjoy speciality cocktails, organic wine and a delicious menu inspired by the flavours of Polynesia and Japan. Settle into one of the plush white poolside lounges with Miami's cool crowd and enjoy one of Miami South Beach’s most romantic lounge bar experiences. $$

3. Jet-Set Cool ...

THE DELANO

Step into a fantasy world created by legendary French designer, Philippe Starck ...

The Delano hotel represents one of the first acts of the inimitable Ian Schraeger/ Philippe Starck partnership, where the duo went all-out in creating a wild and glamorous Alice in Wonderland-style fantasy land. Lushly landscaped gardens and minimalist, low-lit modern public spaces take centre stage, amidst a backdrop of flowing white curtains and oversize modern furnishings. While some of the jaw-drop factor has left 10 years on, there is still a thrill at being let loose in this seductive playground. Enjoy a cocktail in the light, white and airy Lobby Bar, the sultry Rose Bar, or lounge in the poolside cabanas at the The Delano’s stunning outdoor poolside bar. $$

4. Poolside Drinks ...

THE LIVING ROOM

Groove to the cool latin beats at the happening bar of the W South Beach Hotel ...

At the stylish and flirtatious Living Room Bar, sip a Mango Ginger Mojito while lounging on an Italian designer sofa or a funky, colourful armchair and enjoy some of the best people-watching in Miami. With soaring ceilings and wide open lounge spaces, the inside lounge bar is the perfect venue for an intimate soirée set behind a shimmering 19-foot-long beaded curtain. Outside, the lushly landscaped outdoor garden bar and pool deck offers the ideal place to enjoy sunset cocktails. With specially designed board games for hours of retro pleasure thrown in the mix, the Living Room Bar offers a hangout space to suit all occasions. $$

5. Creative Crowd ...

CECCONI'S MIAMI

One of our favourite exclusive hideaways in Miami Beach for alfresco drinks and dinner by the ocean ...

Nestled within the exclusive sanctuary of the Soho Beach Miami hotel, Cecconi's restaurant and lounge bar offers one of Miami Beach's most stylish, romantic and intimate alfresco settings. Arrive at sunset and enjoy a refreshing craft cocktail, or a glass of crisp prosecco or Italian wine in the ocean breeze. Make an evening of it and stay for dinner at their excellent restaurant which serves a great value menu of classic Italian cuisine. $$

6. Waterfront Drinks ...

THE LIDO AT THE STANDARD

A romantic waterfront haven on the peaceful island of Biscayne Bay ...

The bohemian-chic Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill offers fresh and delicious Mediterranean cuisine and drinks in a picturesque setting overlooking Miami’s Biscayne Bay. Sit beneath the umbrella-shaded tables on The Lido’s lovely waterfront terrace, where bright furnishings coloured in cherry reds and flamingo pinks lend an effortlessly cool bayside vibe. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Lido boasts delicious treats such as smoked salmon and steamed asparagus, while lunch and dinner favourites include a hearty bouillabaisse and blackened Mahi-mahi sandwich. The Lido at The Standard is also a chilled local spot for drinks and cocktails in the afternoon and evenings, where Miami locals love to lounge and soak in the beautiful waterfront views. $$

7. Late-Night Clubs ...

LIV

A glamorous 18,000 sq ft nightclub for Miami’s party crowd ...

One of Miami’s hottest nightclubs, LIV at the Fontainebleau Miami hotel offers three full-service bars, a central dance floor playing a variety of hip hop, house and rock music, and state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems. For guests seeking the ultra-VIP treatment, LIV nightclub offers six private “skyboxes”, each featuring European bottle service, a mini-bar and banquettes with secured purse drawers. A voyeuristic design throughout the nightclub allows people to see the entire venue from almost every point in the room, while edgy performance vignettes heat up the night with the nightclub scene’s sultriest dancers. $$

BASEMENT

Average Price of a Drink: $ = Less than $10; $$ = Around $20; $$$ = More than $30

SEE + DO

| MIAMI |

Don't miss these top Miami museums, cultural landmarks, shopping and local experiences.

Museums & Art Galleries ...

Set within a breathtaking building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) features dramatic hanging greenery and a waterfront setting. Inside, the museum presents the works of leading international contemporary and modern artists such as Ai Weiwei. The Wolfsonian is another of the city’s best art museums with a unique setting within a former storage building. Also a library and research centre, the museum displays over 120,000 art works, including nearly 80,000 from the private collection of Mitchell Wolfson, Jr..Originally a private art collection at its founding in 1963, Collection Bass is now a major artistic reference in Miami South Beach. With an art collection spanning from Renaissance to modern art, the institution features over 500 European masterpieces. Set within a 1930s Art Deco building, discover works by masters such as Ghirlandio and Botticelli. A cutting-edge building designed by world-famous New York architects Gwathmey Siegel & Associates marks a suitably contemporary home for the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in north Miami. Showcasing a rolling programme of exhibitions within its 23,000 square feet of funky exhibition space, MOCA champions emerging artists on the international arts stage.

Art Basel Miami Beach ...

Renowned for its cutting-edge arts and design scene, Miami plays host to one of the most prestigious art shows in the world, Art Basel Miami Beach, held in early December every year. The event showcases an international selection of top art galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Miami also boasts an impressive range of local art galleries, furniture and design showrooms in the Design District and North Miami, which are a more permanent fixture of Miami's art scene.

Best Districts ...

Don’t miss a visit to Miami's historic Art Deco District, home to over 500 preserved Art Deco buildings. Miami’s Design District is home to the city's impressive luxury shopping mall installation, art galleries amd design showrooms. Miami's celebrated Wynwood district is also worth visiting for its colourful, eye-catching street art which covers the neighbourhood’s walls and buildings. Make sure to visit the Wynwood Walls, one of the biggest outdoor frescoes of Urban Art in the world created by talented global artists. The area is also home to artist studios, hip restaurants, bars and cafes.

Best Beaches ...

Lounging on the beach and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is a quintessential experience in Miami. This is the place to see-and-be-seen, where bronzed and artificially enhanced bodies perennially jog, exercise and flirt outdoors in the sun. The long, seemingly never-ending stretch of sand running along the length of Miami Beach tends to be segmented into various sections: the hip & trendy crowd spots, the private beach club/ hotel areas, the family-friendly parts, those for the gay crowd. Head to Lummus Park Beach - otherwise known as 'Glitter Beach' - between 6th to 14th streets on South Beach, or 85th Street Beach (along Collins Avenue) which is one of the most peaceful places to swim.

Adventure Sports in Miami ...

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and an extensive network of winding waterways and canals, Miami is a water sports-lovers paradise. Companies such as American WaterSports and Jet Ski Tours of Miami offer a range of accompanied jet ski tours around Miami’s waterways, where you may see wild dolphins and manatees. You’ll also pass by the mansions of Miami’s rich and famous celebrities who live on the exclusive Star Island, which can only be accessed by boat. Jet skis can also be privately rented by the hour, allowing you to enjoy the thrills of the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or explore the quieter waterways. Jet Ski Tours of Miami also rents snorkelling equipment, organise private boat tours, GoKart City Tours, Art Deco bicycle tours, and a wide range of other sightseeing and adventure sport activities in Miami Beach.

Best Local Spas ...

Miami locals love to keep themselves pampered and polished, including everything from a simple pedicure to serious plastic surgery treatments. South Beach is well catered for with many excellent spas, many of which can be found in the city’s best luxury hotels. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami and The Spa at The Setai are two of Miami’s best luxury spas, offering a wide range of Oriental-inspired beauty treatments and massages. Located on an island between Miami Beach and Downtown is the retro-style The Standard Spa Miami Beach, offering great value beauty treatments, an innovative schedule of classes (including Brazilian jiu-jitsu) and a chic infinity pool overlooking the water. The Spa at Viceroy Miami boasts a Philippe Starck designed, 28,000 square foot luxury spa and fitness centre, along with a shimmering 300-foot long rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.

Best Shopping Areas ...

One of Miami South Beach's best shopping spots is Lincoln Road Mall, a popular pedestrian shopping promenade. You’ll find many of South Beach’s best boutiques and stores, including many well-known international brands offering everything from clothing to accessories, books, jewellery, and homewares. The nearby CollinsAvenue is home to The Webster, a cool concept store known for its cutting-edge fashion

The Everglades ...

Described as “one of the planet’s most fascinating ecosystems”, the Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, a vast, shallow river system of wetlands and swamps. Located on the southern tip of Florida and spanning nearly 1.5 million acres or 2,400 square miles, the Everglades is home to over 550 types of birds, 500 kinds of fish, and a wide variety of plants, reptiles and mammals. The Everglades National Park covers one-fifth of the Everglades and is a major natural attraction for camping, hiking, boating and kayaking. Hike the Tamiami Trail, the first road to open in the area, which passes through various pioneer camps that have barely changed since the late 1800s; the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail are two other popular hikes in the area. Visitors can also take a tour along the raised boardwalk of the Corkscrew Swamp to explore a variety of habitats. A quintessential activity is to take a thrilling airboat ride with Buggy Eco-Tours throughout the Everglades wetlands, where you’re likely to see wild alligators eerily submerged in the waters below.

The Florida Keys ...

When you’re ready for a change of scene from Miami South Beach’s vibrant action, take a road trip through the spectacular 120-mile long Florida Keys island chain which extends south of Miami. The gateway into the Keys region is Key Largo, located approximately 1 hour’s drive from Miami. Further onwards is the charming island of Islamorada, the sport fishing capital of the Caribbean - stay at the boutique-chic resort, Casa Morada. Pass through the islands of Marathon and Big Key West to reach Key West, one of the highlights of the Florida Keys region. Located approximately 3 hours from Miami, this tiny island measures only two by four miles in its entirety. Attracting an eclectic, laid-back crowd of artists, intellectuals and free-thinkers, Key West is where famous author Ernest Hemmingway previously lived and penned many of his best novels.